You Take The High Road, And I’ll Take The Low Road…

Whose Celtic heart doesn’t thrill at the very thought of the mystical, misty highlands of Scotland? I know mine does. But when Liz Curtis Higgs, the premiere author of Scottish historical novels, published a non-fiction book called “My Heart’s In The Lowlands,” I had to know more.

This book is an armchair travel guide, but after reading it, I’m taking it one step further. I’m calling it A Travelogue With A Passenger’s Side. Liz designed the book with you in mind, and I do mean YOU. The two of you, sitting side-by-side, in a tiny hired (rental) car, galavanting in the most fantastic country on the planet.

“Lowlands” reads like a ten-day-long road trip in which you’re soaking up atmosphere with the friendliest author ever. She’s chatting you up, pointing out the landmarks she’s seen before, and exclaiming over new ones. You’re begging for a wee little bathroom break, and she’s saying, “Can you wait, dearie, till I check out the six-hundred-year-old headstones in this cemetery over here?” You agree to hold on, and are richly rewarded with scones and tea at the next stop.

By the end of your bookish travels, you realize what wonderful meandering chums you and Liz make. If you can’t hop on a real plane bound for Scotland right then (which I highly recommend), you can always turn back to Page One and imagine your sublime journey with Liz all over again.

I recently visited with Liz about her Scottish novels, her trips to Caledonia, and “My Heart’s In The Lowlands.”

Katy: Which came first, the novels or the trips?

Liz: In 1996, my husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary by doing a 10-day tour covering much of Scotland—not hard to do in a country roughly the size of Indiana! I had a vague idea of the story I wanted to tell, but intentionally didn’t do much research in advance of that first trip.

Katy: Were you looking for a precise village in which to set your stories? Did you have that “I’ll know it when I see it” approach?

Liz: I wanted to feel my way around the country and discover the area that felt most like “home,” listening only to my heart and to the Lord. The guidebooks suggested that most tourists skip the lowlands area known as Dumfries and Galloway in their mad dash to the highlands. So, of course, THAT was the part I wanted to see first!

Katy: I have to say, in my three trips to Scotland, I’ve not been farther south than Edinburgh and Glasgow, but like many tourists, I’ve seen much of the highlands.

Liz: The lowlands do not disappoint! Galloway has an unspoilt, non-touristy quality about it…

Katy: Oooh, that’s what I love best.

Liz: Green, rolling farmland dotted with sheep, and charming villages full of real people, going about their daily tasks. On the weekends, you’ll find tourists, of course, but on a Wednesday in Galloway, you just might have the place to yourself!

Katy: It’s awfully barren and bleak in dear old Scotland, don’t you think? Doesn’t muted and misty take you down a few notches?

Liz: Believe it or not, I love grey skies and rain clouds on the horizon…

Katy: That reminds me of my favorite Scottish joke. The tourist is asking the tour guide to forecast the weather. The guide says, “If you can see that mountain over there, it’s about to rain. If you can’t see it, it IS raining.”

Liz: Exactly! Anyway, bright sunny days have little appeal for me—on either side of the pond. On a dreich (bleak, dismal) day, I’m much more productive.

Katy: Obviously, it’s working for you! You found the perfect setting for your historical novels, did tons of research, and the first in your Scottish novel series came out in 2003. Tell us a bit about the “Heart for Scotland” book tour you took that year.

Liz: I put together that solo tour of Christian bookstores a mere six months after the first novel came out. At that point, the people I met were more curious readers than eager fans! Now, after four historical novels and my travel guide, I’m developing a small but loyal following among Scottish readers. They seem rather amazed—and very touched—that an American would care so much about their country. Besides introducing them to the story of Leana, Jamie, and Rose, sharing my faith was a big part of the “Heart for Scotland” tour, and a big part of why I keep going back. I’ve had the joy of speaking in community centers and store fronts, tea rooms and movie theatres, living rooms and church basements. Organized religion is struggling, but those who know and love Jesus can be found everywhere.

Katy: It’s one thing to speak in all those places. After all, I once heard you say in a radio interview that you can “speak two hours without a subject”...

Liz: That sounds like me!

Katy: But can you really drive on those crazy roads?

Liz: The roads in Dumfries and Galloway are not nearly so treacherous as some of the highland single-track roads that cling to the side of mountains—

Katy: Pass me the paper bag. I’m hyperventilating.

Liz: But it WAS daunting my first time behind the wheel. Now, after nine driving trips in Scotland, I feel right at home, though for the first few minutes I say aloud, “Left, left, left…” One thing that helps is everyone ELSE is driving on the left side, too! From my perspective, you haven’t really seen Scotland if you’ve seen it through the window of a tour bus.

Katy: Well, when I read “My Heart’s In The Lowlands,” I sure didn’t feel like I was on a bus! It was just you and me, dearie, white-knuckling it to the next castle and praying we wouldn’t encounter any 18-wheel lorries on the narrow path!

Liz: I’m glad you felt like you were taking the trip with me. I’ve read other travel guides and wanted to make mine more personal, more friendly, and more FUN…

Katy: Oh, it was fun, all right! I can’t count how many times you had me crying and laughing, all on the same page.

Liz: I’m tickled you felt that way as we traveled over the hills and down the glens together. In virtually every reader letter I’ve received, they talk about enjoying when “we” went here and “we” went there—just exactly the reaction I hoped and prayed for when I wrote it!

Katy: Thank you, dear Liz, for joining us here at fallible today! And you readers, here’s your chance to win a free copy of “My Heart’s In The Lowlands” by leaving a comment on this post. Whatever you do, read this book. I promise you’ll be hooked on Scotland Forever, and trust me, that’s a very good thing.

Posted by Katy on 04/10/07 at 03:56 PM

Fallible Comments...

Oohh I've got to get this book! We are actually discussing renting a house in Scotland with some friends for a week next year if we can swing it! Can you believe it? I'd be so thrilled to go!
Posted by Suzan on 04/10/07 at 04:32 PM
Thanks for this interview. One of my goals when we lived in Europe was to make it to Scotland (among other countries). I'm sad we left before we got a chance.

BTW, HI LIZZIE!!!
Posted by relevantgirl on 04/10/07 at 04:36 PM
Oh - Katy! You've introduced me to ANOTHER author and book that I need to read! I can't keep up!! And thanks, Liz, for the interview!

I really do need to read this. I am woefully inadequately educated about my Scottish background and Scotland in general, and as I spent the first half of my life with the last name of Duncan, this simply won't do...
Posted by Chris(tine) on 04/10/07 at 06:13 PM
Only Lizzie could make a rugged trip sound desirable! If I ever write another setting, I'm doing the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Maybe Greece. : ) Great interview Katy! Kristin
Posted by Kristin on 04/11/07 at 09:23 AM
I'd love to win a copy of this book. More than one blog has sung it's praises. And I love Lizzie's writing. I know her words will "take me there."

Robin
Posted by Robin on 04/11/07 at 10:01 AM
I was going to think about some witty remark to leave here...but, I'm just in it for the book...odds are better than the lottery :)

M1ofMany
Posted by Michael Main on 04/11/07 at 10:51 AM
Suzan--Girl, I hope you get to go to Scotland! I wish that place on all my best buddies. It's a dream, I tell you...

Relevant Mary--You are young! You will have another chance! When I was your age, though, and we couldn't afford to go, I told myself if I never saw Scotland and Ireland on this earth, it seemed HIGHLY likely that heaven would be VERY similar!!!

Christ(tine)--My little Scottish Duncan! (I adore that name...) Oh, yes, you must read Liz's book. But be warned, it will bestow upon you a fierce hankerin' for the Old Country!

Kristin--It's rugged all right. I've done the Highlands on the one lane clinging to the mountain, too. It's all I can do to not scream out loud! Thanks for popping in!

Robin--It is a book that truly "represents." While I haven't been to those precise places in Scotland, I know enough to know Liz nailed it. Best wishes on winningn a copy!

Michael #1--Odds are fantastic!! Not that I'm a betting woman or anything. :) Somehow, even when you write, "I'm just in it for the book," it comes out witty! That's a talent!
Posted by Katy on 04/11/07 at 05:21 PM
Katy

As you know, the Western Highlands of Scotland can be truly beautiful especially on a very good day.

Where I know live, near Inverness, it can also be beautiful in a different way.(better weather, not like the snow you were having this week)

Of all the places I have been in Scotland, these are the most interesting.

We do have good roads as well - by the way

John
Posted by John PG McKenna on 04/17/07 at 02:13 PM
John!! Hey, we recently met up with a friend of ours from Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, here in KC. He had with him his buddy, who as it turns out is from Elgin, Scotland. Is that not your new town? As soon as he said the name, I said I felt certain that's where my cousin lives! Cool, huh? Next time we make it over, I want to get up and over your way.
Posted by Katy on 04/18/07 at 08:58 PM
Where I know live, near Inverses, it can also be beautiful in a different way.(better weather, not like the snow you were having this week)
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Posted by self catering holiday cottage inverness on 10/08/09 at 11:02 PM
I’m a big stay cation guy. Not only that, Shanghai has a large network of old water towns and lakes and tourist areas around it that are all linked up by train or bus.There is a special tourist bus station by the main stadium where they all leave from the same place.
<a href="http://www.campingtourist.com/">camping tourist</a>
Posted by camping tourist on 10/27/09 at 02:21 AM
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Posted by Kathy on 03/15/10 at 09:27 AM

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Personal blog of christian writer & fallible mom Katy McKenna Raymond in Kansas City, Missouri Katy is represented by Greg Johnson at WordServe Literary Read more Katy at LateBoomer.net Follow Katy on Twitter Follow Katy on Facebook 123 Recent Posts Try Becoming Brenda Starr Off Beat Scattered That’s It So I’ve Finally Signed With An Agent. Now What? The Spoon Sciatica Sweetheart A Woman’s Train of Thought Has No Caboose However much we own, we are all still living on borrowed time After all, when restaurants shrink portions, they don’t shrink prices. As with everything in life, balance is key. Slow down, you move too fast… Yeah, I know. I have issues. Search Advanced Search Syndicate Login E me at katy @ ngenius.com	You Take The High Road, And I’ll Take The Low Road… Whose Celtic heart doesn’t thrill at the very thought of the mystical, misty highlands of Scotland? I know mine does. But when Liz Curtis Higgs, the premiere author of Scottish historical novels, published a non-fiction book called “My Heart’s In The Lowlands,” I had to know more. This book is an armchair travel guide, but after reading it, I’m taking it one step further. I’m calling it A Travelogue With A Passenger’s Side. Liz designed the book with you in mind, and I do mean YOU. The two of you, sitting side-by-side, in a tiny hired (rental) car, galavanting in the most fantastic country on the planet. “Lowlands” reads like a ten-day-long road trip in which you’re soaking up atmosphere with the friendliest author ever. She’s chatting you up, pointing out the landmarks she’s seen before, and exclaiming over new ones. You’re begging for a wee little bathroom break, and she’s saying, “Can you wait, dearie, till I check out the six-hundred-year-old headstones in this cemetery over here?” You agree to hold on, and are richly rewarded with scones and tea at the next stop. By the end of your bookish travels, you realize what wonderful meandering chums you and Liz make. If you can’t hop on a real plane bound for Scotland right then (which I highly recommend), you can always turn back to Page One and imagine your sublime journey with Liz all over again. I recently visited with Liz about her Scottish novels, her trips to Caledonia, and “My Heart’s In The Lowlands.” Katy: Which came first, the novels or the trips? Liz: In 1996, my husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary by doing a 10-day tour covering much of Scotland—not hard to do in a country roughly the size of Indiana! I had a vague idea of the story I wanted to tell, but intentionally didn’t do much research in advance of that first trip. Katy: Were you looking for a precise village in which to set your stories? Did you have that “I’ll know it when I see it” approach? Liz: I wanted to feel my way around the country and discover the area that felt most like “home,” listening only to my heart and to the Lord. The guidebooks suggested that most tourists skip the lowlands area known as Dumfries and Galloway in their mad dash to the highlands. So, of course, THAT was the part I wanted to see first! Katy: I have to say, in my three trips to Scotland, I’ve not been farther south than Edinburgh and Glasgow, but like many tourists, I’ve seen much of the highlands. Liz: The lowlands do not disappoint! Galloway has an unspoilt, non-touristy quality about it… Katy: Oooh, that’s what I love best. Liz: Green, rolling farmland dotted with sheep, and charming villages full of real people, going about their daily tasks. On the weekends, you’ll find tourists, of course, but on a Wednesday in Galloway, you just might have the place to yourself! Katy: It’s awfully barren and bleak in dear old Scotland, don’t you think? Doesn’t muted and misty take you down a few notches? Liz: Believe it or not, I love grey skies and rain clouds on the horizon… Katy: That reminds me of my favorite Scottish joke. The tourist is asking the tour guide to forecast the weather. The guide says, “If you can see that mountain over there, it’s about to rain. If you can’t see it, it IS raining.” Liz: Exactly! Anyway, bright sunny days have little appeal for me—on either side of the pond. On a dreich (bleak, dismal) day, I’m much more productive. Katy: Obviously, it’s working for you! You found the perfect setting for your historical novels, did tons of research, and the first in your Scottish novel series came out in 2003. Tell us a bit about the “Heart for Scotland” book tour you took that year. Liz: I put together that solo tour of Christian bookstores a mere six months after the first novel came out. At that point, the people I met were more curious readers than eager fans! Now, after four historical novels and my travel guide, I’m developing a small but loyal following among Scottish readers. They seem rather amazed—and very touched—that an American would care so much about their country. Besides introducing them to the story of Leana, Jamie, and Rose, sharing my faith was a big part of the “Heart for Scotland” tour, and a big part of why I keep going back. I’ve had the joy of speaking in community centers and store fronts, tea rooms and movie theatres, living rooms and church basements. Organized religion is struggling, but those who know and love Jesus can be found everywhere. Katy: It’s one thing to speak in all those places. After all, I once heard you say in a radio interview that you can “speak two hours without a subject”... Liz: That sounds like me! Katy: But can you really drive on those crazy roads? Liz: The roads in Dumfries and Galloway are not nearly so treacherous as some of the highland single-track roads that cling to the side of mountains— Katy: Pass me the paper bag. I’m hyperventilating. Liz: But it WAS daunting my first time behind the wheel. Now, after nine driving trips in Scotland, I feel right at home, though for the first few minutes I say aloud, “Left, left, left…” One thing that helps is everyone ELSE is driving on the left side, too! From my perspective, you haven’t really seen Scotland if you’ve seen it through the window of a tour bus. Katy: Well, when I read “My Heart’s In The Lowlands,” I sure didn’t feel like I was on a bus! It was just you and me, dearie, white-knuckling it to the next castle and praying we wouldn’t encounter any 18-wheel lorries on the narrow path! Liz: I’m glad you felt like you were taking the trip with me. I’ve read other travel guides and wanted to make mine more personal, more friendly, and more FUN… Katy: Oh, it was fun, all right! I can’t count how many times you had me crying and laughing, all on the same page. Liz: I’m tickled you felt that way as we traveled over the hills and down the glens together. In virtually every reader letter I’ve received, they talk about enjoying when “we” went here and “we” went there—just exactly the reaction I hoped and prayed for when I wrote it! Katy: Thank you, dear Liz, for joining us here at fallible today! And you readers, here’s your chance to win a free copy of “My Heart’s In The Lowlands” by leaving a comment on this post. Whatever you do, read this book. I promise you’ll be hooked on Scotland Forever, and trust me, that’s a very good thing. Posted by Katy on 04/10/07 at 03:56 PM Fallible Comments... Oohh I've got to get this book! We are actually discussing renting a house in Scotland with some friends for a week next year if we can swing it! Can you believe it? I'd be so thrilled to go! Posted by Suzan on 04/10/07 at 04:32 PM Thanks for this interview. One of my goals when we lived in Europe was to make it to Scotland (among other countries). I'm sad we left before we got a chance. BTW, HI LIZZIE!!! Posted by relevantgirl on 04/10/07 at 04:36 PM Oh - Katy! You've introduced me to ANOTHER author and book that I need to read! I can't keep up!! And thanks, Liz, for the interview! I really do need to read this. I am woefully inadequately educated about my Scottish background and Scotland in general, and as I spent the first half of my life with the last name of Duncan, this simply won't do... Posted by Chris(tine) on 04/10/07 at 06:13 PM Only Lizzie could make a rugged trip sound desirable! If I ever write another setting, I'm doing the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Maybe Greece. : ) Great interview Katy! Kristin Posted by Kristin on 04/11/07 at 09:23 AM I'd love to win a copy of this book. More than one blog has sung it's praises. And I love Lizzie's writing. I know her words will "take me there." Robin Posted by Robin on 04/11/07 at 10:01 AM I was going to think about some witty remark to leave here...but, I'm just in it for the book...odds are better than the lottery :) M1ofMany Posted by Michael Main on 04/11/07 at 10:51 AM Suzan--Girl, I hope you get to go to Scotland! I wish that place on all my best buddies. It's a dream, I tell you... Relevant Mary--You are young! You will have another chance! When I was your age, though, and we couldn't afford to go, I told myself if I never saw Scotland and Ireland on this earth, it seemed HIGHLY likely that heaven would be VERY similar!!! Christ(tine)--My little Scottish Duncan! (I adore that name...) Oh, yes, you must read Liz's book. But be warned, it will bestow upon you a fierce hankerin' for the Old Country! Kristin--It's rugged all right. I've done the Highlands on the one lane clinging to the mountain, too. It's all I can do to not scream out loud! Thanks for popping in! Robin--It is a book that truly "represents." While I haven't been to those precise places in Scotland, I know enough to know Liz nailed it. Best wishes on winningn a copy! Michael #1--Odds are fantastic!! Not that I'm a betting woman or anything. :) Somehow, even when you write, "I'm just in it for the book," it comes out witty! That's a talent! Posted by Katy on 04/11/07 at 05:21 PM Katy As you know, the Western Highlands of Scotland can be truly beautiful especially on a very good day. Where I know live, near Inverness, it can also be beautiful in a different way.(better weather, not like the snow you were having this week) Of all the places I have been in Scotland, these are the most interesting. We do have good roads as well - by the way John Posted by John PG McKenna on 04/17/07 at 02:13 PM John!! Hey, we recently met up with a friend of ours from Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, here in KC. He had with him his buddy, who as it turns out is from Elgin, Scotland. Is that not your new town? As soon as he said the name, I said I felt certain that's where my cousin lives! Cool, huh? Next time we make it over, I want to get up and over your way. Posted by Katy on 04/18/07 at 08:58 PM Where I know live, near Inverses, it can also be beautiful in a different way.(better weather, not like the snow you were having this week) Posted by Noosa Resorts on 02/19/09 at 07:15 AM wow.. very nice info at this post thanks!!! i really like it Posted by Spa Treatments on 08/28/09 at 09:37 AM wow, cool post thanks for sharing the information. <a href="http://www.invernessholidaycottage.co.uk/">self catering holiday cottage inverness</a> Posted by self catering holiday cottage inverness on 10/08/09 at 11:02 PM I’m a big stay cation guy. Not only that, Shanghai has a large network of old water towns and lakes and tourist areas around it that are all linked up by train or bus.There is a special tourist bus station by the main stadium where they all leave from the same place. <a href="http://www.campingtourist.com/">camping tourist</a> Posted by camping tourist on 10/27/09 at 02:21 AM Great post Thanks for sharing with us.to know more about cemetry visit here: <a href="http://www.skyviewmemorialpark.com/">SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CEMETERY</a> Posted by Kathy on 03/15/10 at 09:27 AM Page 1 of 1 pages Commenting is not available in this weblog entry. Next entry: And She'll Be In Scotland Before Ye Previous entry: Triumph Without Tragedy? << Back to main


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You Take The High Road, And I’ll Take The Low Road…

Personal blog of christian
writer & fallible mom
Katy McKenna Raymond
in Kansas City, Missouri